Skip to Content

10 Things Experts Say You Should Never Store In Your Bedroom Closet

#3 will probably surprise you.

By
things you should never store in your bedroom closet. How to live well in a small spaces
The Washington Post//Getty Images

I live in a small two-bedroom apartment with very limited space, so mybedroom closethas basically turned into a mini storage unit—sometimes I can barely shut the door. It’s not ideal to keep things there that aren’t clothes or clean towels, but at this point, I’m simply running out of places to store my belongings. Between clothes, shoes and miscellaneous household items, I’ve ended up using my closet for far more than it was meant for.

That said, getting organizedwas one of my New Year’s resolutions, and I decided my bedroom closet was the best place to start.

Rather than tackling the project blindly, I spoke with two professional organizers about the items you should never store in a bedroom closet. Some of their advice was obvious, but some of it was surprisingly specific. As it turns out, a lot of what I’d been keeping in my closet didn’t actually belong there—I’d just grown used to it over time. One thing is clear: harsh cleaning supplies and outdoor tools have no place in a bedroom closet.

1

Outdoor athletic shoes

things you should never store in your bedroom closet. Shoe rack with running shoes
© eleonora galli//Getty Images

You can and should keep some shoes in your bedroom closet; however, Olivia Parks, owner and lead organizer at Professional Organizers Baton Rouge, says to refrain from storing athletic shoes in there. "These bring in dirt, grass, and moisture, which ends up on the closet floor and around your clothes," she explains. "Over time, that can make the whole closet feel dirty, so they’re better kept in the garage, mudroom, or near an entryway."

2

Cleaning supplies

things you should never store in your bedroom closet. Few Clues To Motive Remain In Apartment Of Alleged Ft. Hood Gunman
Eli Kaplan//Getty Images

You might want to keep some cleaning products in your bedroom closet for easy access, but it's not a smart idea. "These can leak or get knocked over, which can damage clothing and create strong odors in a small closet," says Parks. "It’s also not the safest place to keep them, so they’re better stored under the sink, in a laundry room, or in a designated cleaning cabinet."


RELATED:We Tested All-Purpose Cleaners on Multiple Surfaces—These Stood Out

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
3

Dirty towels

things you should never store in your bedroom closet A laundry basket full of clothes
Tetra Images//Getty Images

After a long shower, you might put dirty towels in a hamper in your bedroom closet for ease. That said, Parks says you'll want to think twice the next time you do that. "If something’s even a little damp, it doesn’t do well in a closet since it can start to smell and that can transfer to your clean clothes," she says. "It’s best to keep them in a laundry room until they’re washed and completely dry."

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
4

Bulky luggage

things you should never store in your bedroom closet. suitcases on wardrobe at home
Carol Yepes//Getty Images

Christina Giaquinto, professional organizer at Modular Closets, a USA-based closet brand, says that since bedroom closet space is extremely limited you'll benefit more from not storing it there in the long run. "Instead, store your bulky luggage in a garage, attic, or under your bed if they fit," she says. "This will free up your closet space for everyday essentials that you need easy access to."

RELATED: We've Put 70+ Luggage Brands to the Test: These Are the Best

5

Food and snacks

things you should never store in your bedroom closet. Hand reaching for the pasta in the kitchen cabinet
H.Klosowska//Getty Images

I'm a culprit of keeping snacks in my bedroom closet, especially those pretzels and potato chips, but it's really not a good idea. "Even if it seems harmless, food in a closet can attract pests and leave behind smells that stick to clothing," Giaquinto says. "It also tends to create small messes and crumbs over time, so it’s best to keep food in the kitchen pantry or cabinets where it can be properly stored and sealed."

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
6

Outdated electronics

things you should never store in your bedroom closet. Person sorting old electronic devices and cables into a recycling box
Olha Danylenko//Getty Images

One quick way to keep your space more cluttered is by keeping mystery chargers, outdated electronics you never use, and tangled cords in your bedroom closet. "This just creates clutter, which can lead to stress and frustration," Giaquinto tells GH. "Instead, sort through these items and recycle what you no longer use or need to prevent unnecessary buildup." If you need to keep any of the electronics or cords, put them in a clearly labeled storage bin or drawer in your home office.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
7

Gardening tools

things you should never store in your bedroom closet. ENCINITAS, CA - SEPTEMBER 21, 2022: Various tools in the tool lending library shed at the Solana Center for Environmental Innovation in Encinitas on Wednesday, September 21, 2022. (Hayne Palmour IV / For The San Diego Union-Tribune) (Photo by Hayne Palmou
The San Diego Union-Tribune//Getty Images

Those plant parents might have gardening tools in random areas throughout the home but one of those spots should not be the bedroom closet. "Even if they look clean, they usually still have dirt on them," says Parks. "That dirt ends up in your closet and onto the floor or nearby clothes, so they’re better stored in a garage, shed or outdoor storage area."

8

Litter boxes

things you should never store in your bedroom closet. Young woman cleaning cat litter tray
Os Tartarouchos//Getty Images

As much as you love your furry friends, Parks strongly advises from keeping a litter box in your bedroom closet. "Closets don’t have much airflow, so any smell from the litter box tends to get trapped and linger," she says. "Even if it’s cleaned often, that odor can start to affect your clothes over time, so it’s better placed in a bathroom, laundry room, or another ventilated area."

RELATED: Best Self-Cleaning Litter Boxes, Tested By Extra-Fussy Cats

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
9

Wet umbrellas

things you should never store in your bedroom closet. An old broken umbrella is recycled and thrown into the trash. The concept of disposal and recycling of waste.
VASYL MYKHAILENKO//Getty Images

If you live in an area with rainy weather, then you might go home and stick your umbrella in your closet without thinking too much about it. Although it might be convenient, you should never store wet umbrellas in such a small space. "If you put them in the closet while they’re still wet, they don’t really dry out," she explains. "They just sit there and can start to smell over time or even create mildew, so it’s best to keep them near the front door in a holder or tray where they can fully dry."

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
10

Broken items

things you should never store in your bedroom closet. A hand holding a piece of a broken porcelain cup
Olga Dobrovolska//Getty Images

As much as you might have the desire to fix broken items like centerpieces or flower vases, the reality is that most people don't actually get around to it. Giaquinto says these broken items will just create visual and mental clutter in your home and nobody wants that. "Either fix them right away or keep them in a designated, clearly labeled ‘repair’ bin in your laundry room, utility closet, or in the garage."

Headshot of Casey Clark
Casey Clark
Contributor

Casey Clark is a freelance consultant who is interested in beauty, health, and style-related commerce content. She learned from Hofstra University with a degree in journalism. Her work has been published in Women's Health, Better Homes & Gardens, and more.

Watch Next 
Video poster
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below